Did anyone go to to the World Rallycross at the Circuit de Catalunya (Barcelona) last year? Thought we'd venture out there in April, really looking forward to it as it's Round 1 of Euro and World RX - booked flights and tickets and now looking for recommendations on where to stay and if there was anything on at the circuit on the Saturday evening? Any info much appreciated.

Did anyone go to to the World Rallycross at the Circuit de Catalunya (Barcelona) last year? Thought we'd venture out there in April, really looking forward to it as it's Round 1 of Euro and World RX - booked flights and tickets and now looking for recommendations on where to stay and if there was anything on at the circuit on the Saturday evening? Any info much appreciated.

I've been the last couple of years and love it. The atmosphere isn't that good as you sit a little way back (negatives of using an F1 track) however the viewing is superb - you can see 99% of the track from 90% of the seats which is ideal! Plus the weather is always great, and the view is nice too! The paddock isn't bad either, though a 5 min walk away.

I stay near Mollet Sant-Fost station in the ibis hotel - only a 10euro fare each way to be dropped off right outside. Not much on the Saturday night unless you know any of the teams and can lurk in their service area. I often use that time to pop into Barcelona for some food/drinks!

So, are you guys playing FIA Fantasy Rallycross? I was thinking about which predictions to set.

- Solberg is a great driver, but the car is new and untested. I am rooting for him, but it's going to be interesting. I saw an interview with the VW development leader and he did not come across as very confident, particularly for a multiple WRC winning team.
- Ekström is fast and the car is proven. Plus for Audi Motorsport and the fact that he lets the team set up his car.
- Bakkerud is quick and aggressive, and the big Focus turned out to actually be competitive. Seems like Ford put a lot of effort into the car over the winter.

So, are you guys playing FIA Fantasy Rallycross? I was thinking about which predictions to set.

- Solberg is a great driver, but the car is new and untested. I am rooting for him, but it's going to be interesting. I saw an interview with the VW development leader and he did not come across as very confident, particularly for a multiple WRC winning team.

I'm rooting for Solberg as well, though the unproved car is a concern. VW Motorsport have a pretty solid track record when it comes to producing competition cars though, so I'd be more surprised if the car was rubbish than if it's really quick...

...I guess the biggest question mark for the Solberg/Polo combination is whether the car fits his driving style. The handful of clips of Petter from Buxtehude showed the car pretty sideways, so perhaps he has got his way with the setup!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silhuette

... But what about Peugeot? Anyone hear what they are doing?

One of the articles I read online (sorry, can't remember which one!) suggested that Timmy Hansen and Loeb would be "new" 2017 cars, where Kevin Hansen would be in an upgraded 2016 car. I can't see that verified anywhere at the moment, though the sale of several Hansen 208's over the winter would support this theory.

If I had to put money on it, then I think Ekstrom or Bakkerud are the safest bet for a top podium spot.

"Every aspect of the car has been re-evaluated, but the major changes have taken place underneath the bonnet, with the introduction of a one-piece engine sump. The 208 WRX is now at the maximum permissable width, with revised bodywork that incorporates various new aerodynamic elements. Particularly close attention has naturally been paid to the suspension and dampers, as well."